IrelandI'm being evicted and I'm vulnerable. Any extra protections?
Yes — if you're vulnerable (e.g., due to age, disability, or health), the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 requires the RTB and courts to consider your circumstances before granting an eviction order.
What the Law Says
The law recognises that some tenants face greater hardship during eviction — especially if they are elderly, disabled, unwell, or otherwise vulnerable. Section 34 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 sets out how eviction orders must be handled when vulnerability is a factor.
Under section 34, a landlord cannot evict a tenant without first getting an order from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) — and if the case goes to court, the court must consider whether the tenant is vulnerable before making an eviction order.
The law does not define 'vulnerable' in detail, but it includes people who may struggle to find alternative housing due to age, physical or mental health conditions, disability, caring responsibilities, or financial hardship.
Crucially, the RTB or court must take vulnerability into account — meaning eviction is not automatic, even if the landlord has followed correct procedures.
Statutory TextIn considering whether to make an order for possession, the Board or court shall have regard to the circumstances of the tenant, including whether the tenant is vulnerable.
— Residential Tenancies Act 2004, s. 34 — Consideration of tenant's circumstances
What to Do
Contact the RTB immediately to explain your vulnerability and request a review of your case.
Gather evidence — e.g., medical letters, care plans, or proof of disability — to support your situation.
Ask for legal advice from FLAC (Free Legal Advice Centres) or Threshold (housing charity).
If your case is before the court, ask your solicitor or barrister to formally raise your vulnerability under s. 34.
Apply for social housing support through your local authority — this may strengthen your position.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.